A 4th in Rookie's Cup, 5th in the grueling GTU, 5th in Middleweight Superbike, and 6th in Middleweight Formula 40 rounds out Rich's results from the 2nd round of the 2015 CCS Atlantic Championship Series. The racing was fast, tough, and fun!

May 2nd brought beautiful weather (and Rich) to New Jersey Motorsports Park with high hopes. Unlike CMP the previous round, Rich has been riding this track since 2009, so the thought was that he'd be able to focus just on picking up speed, since he didn't have to learn the track, right? Not exactly. Despite a good practice day Friday, a little problem was identified, and it certainly isn't with the bike! Although the MDM-prepared R6 is certainly faster than his previous motorcycle, his previous bike had a ton of low-end torque, meaning he was able to get away with some "bad" habits and still circle the course relatively quickly. Though Maher Motorsports dia a great job tuning the 600cc screamer in the R6, it doesn't have the crutch of 70+ pounds of torque the Aprilia had, and as such, forces a "proper" style, or you get left in the proverbial dust.Though Rich set a new personal best lap time (by several seconds and again, at the end of the 25 minute GTU race!), we know where we need to improve, and more seat time on the R6 is the prescription, to be filled by our friends at Team Pro-Motion!

In addition to the great friends that are part of our growing "track family", and the tireless crew at CCS (without which none of this would be possible), Rich also wants to send a special thanks to ATech Customs for getting a replacement numberplate to him in the nick of time, and Trackside Parts Club for always having that needed part! Finally, to Mike / MDM - not only are they the Pirelli tire and Penske racing shock shop, but Mike Failace is also spot-on with all his advice and has played a HUGE role in Rich's success thus far, and certainly in the future! Also, a big thanks for Rich's father-in-law, Nick, for coming out on Saturday, and long-time friend David for coming out (and helping out!) on Sunday.